Engine Install -- 1973 VW Super Beetle Subaru Swap
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- čas přidán 13. 12. 2019
- This is one of our most exciting videos yet. Watch as we install our Subaru EJ255 shortblock with EJ251 heads into the 1973 Super Beetle. Using the KEP adapter kit and cutoff wheel, this engine will fit!
Version without music can be found here • Subaru Engine Install ...
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Check out our next video: czcams.com/video/lq1iLbfnLMk/video.html
That jig you made for the engine. Genius
Thank you!
Am I watching an engine swap while listening to Wreck-it-Ralph?
thank you for the no music version, i was just about to exit, when i spied the other link. I trul love what you have done here, ....you are a real mechanic, not a parts changer, this is the real definition of Hot Rodding in the 50's and 60's. in the 60's guys would fit a 289,or 260 ford into a auston heally...or a mgb...I salute you sir.carry on. I have phone pics of a car show with a 302 in a super beetle up front ,wish i knew how to send one to you. I really appreciate this type of project. Fair winds to you
Thank you for the kind words and the support!
I like that idea of how to put studs in with the double nut method. Thanks for that info!!
Thanks for the support! That is how I learned to install any stud, makes the process very straightforward.
Sick super beetle build it’s basic but it’s gonna be a ton of fun
Edit: also love the bomberman soundtrack 👌🏻
Thanks, we appreciate the support!
Getting ready to do the exact same thing. Very informative.!👍🇺🇸
Thanks for the support! Coolant setup video coming soon, just getting the daily driver back in check first...
Amazing! Except the music.
Here is a version without music, if you prefer czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html
My wife thought I was playing a video game.
Haters. This music is dope. Reminds me of sonic the hedgehog. 🕹
Personally I've had about six Subarus maybe 7 I loved every one of them the motors are pretty much you know the same other than Subaru is way more advanced but that's a great swap I've seen a couple of Westies with the Subaru engines in them I can tell you that things going to haul balls. A buddy of mine when we were in high school had a Porsche Super Beetle and another guy had a V8 Super Beetle really fast both of them but the one with the Porsche motor you couldn't even tell that had that in it other than the way it ran good luck Godspeed
Yes, I’ve always been a big fan of Subarus especially coming from New England. Thanks for the support, video of fitting the turbo is on the way!
I’ve got a 73 super beetle too and i mm planning on Subaru swapping it, so thanks for this video this will help a lot!
That's great to hear! Best of luck!
I need to buy ur bug@@RatchetMotors
@@philippeter198if you are seriously interested, you can send me an offer at ratchetmotorsnc@gmail.com
@@RatchetMotors sure
We don’t need the music. Talk louder 😍😜
Definitely working on talking louder!
Oh gawd the music!!!!!! 🤣
Awesome!!
Thanks!
Great video!! What are you going to do about the bolts that are interfering with the trans mounts?
Thank you! I will either leave the bolts out completely or replace them with button head version for better clearance... I'm just having a hard time finding the proper bolt in button head
@@RatchetMotors Just use countersunk heads Torx or Allen screws. You'll need to countersink the plate but it will be much easier than try to chamber the plate to fit button head screws.
Like your honesty,we all make mistakes,nice video,thank you for upload.
Also did you make sure gearbox has a welded 3/4 syncro hub,as the original ones are just pressed in and with high horspower engine swaps will slip and possibly cause damage?
Thanks for the support! Gearbox is completely stock but will be replaced in the future
@@RatchetMotors Your welcome.thats cool,certainly plenty about.I liked the music,but im into Electronic synth music anyway,Stay safe!
how much does the transmission handle and can u upgrade the gears ?
I would have installed the four studs after the flywheel and clutch was installed. They get in the way.
Good advice!
From what I can see, you have the later style cradle mounts for a 1974...those are horribly soft. Every late model Beetle I've ever worked on, I've recommended to my customers to go with the cradle mounts up to 1972 from CB performance. I've run 250 VW turbo engines and never had one rip. Oil doesn't hurt them either.
I don't know how much experience you have, but a suggestion when stabbing an engine. If the output shaft of the transaxle doesn't want to fit into the spline of the clutch disc (assuming you used the centering tool) , you should place the transaxle in 4th gear, and when it's close spin the wheel a bit and try again. That way you avoid damaging the bolt that holds the crank pulley. Then it should slide right in.
And yes, you have the late model TO bearing. I have a collection of those rings in my garage. Lol.
Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate the suggestions and fortunately the engine slid in very well with that ring removed. I do have the late model mounts but I did not think they were horribly soft. I will keep an eye out for them for sure.
@@RatchetMotors I have an EJ20 long block sitting in my garage it's just a mock up piece. I have a 71 Super that's been in my family since I was a year old. It's either getting the Subaru engine or I may go with another Type 4.
I dig your project. I like the MS option. It's less expensive and allows you to tinker. Is your engine a JDM unit? I see it has the big ignition coil on top. I'm pretty sure that I will remove the majority of the firewall and package tray.
I will subscribe. Good job.
Thanks for the support and the sub! That sounds like a really good project and I don’t think you could go wrong with either engine. The ignition coil goes with the heads which are from an EJ251 (I think from a 2001 Impreza RS). Everything Subaru I’m using right now is USDM but a hodgepodge of models.
Nice work. Im wanting to do this swap in my 63 bug.
Thank you! I say gopher it!
Great detailed video. I'm building a 1970 with an ej20. Anyway you could turn down the music and turn up your voice?
I'll definitely try to fix that in future edits, thanks for the advice!
Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html
Very nice and clean build, btw how much hp are you putting down on the wheels?
The car is not yet running but with the turbo I expect at least 250hp to the wheels. For reference the motor is ej255 shortblock with ej251 heads, delta 1500 camshafts, and vf48 turbo so should be making around stock STI power
its a shame there isnt enough room for a gearbox update too
I'm highly considering getting another gearbox in sooner than later. I have a Subaru 5 speed that may be the right candidate!
Good.
Thank you!
Agree the music should be lower than your voice also I learned one thing measure twice three times and more your input shaft could be too long that special thing you took off you need to check to see your throw out bearing clearance otherwise Subaru engine in a VW wise idea can't wait to see the radiator in the front what's a nice electric cooling fan and the other one they forgot their conditioning well you probably put the heater under the back seat
Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html
8:56 🤣🤣🤣
So I have a 72 super and have been looking into doing the same do u have any advice u could give me as far as which engine-year makes for the better swap and what to look for? Thanks keep the informative videos coming👍
My main advice would be to pull the motor and harness from a running vehicle and try to take as many accessories/sensors/etc. as possible from one car. The biggest obstacles I face are because I am building from components I've stored in the garage but I do not have the "whole package" from one car. As far as engine-year, this is really personal preference. The naturally aspirated Subarus are generally SOHC (not always) but that means smaller packaging and easier maintenance (less parts). These are still good for 150-200hp NA which is plenty for a little bug. I went with the EJ251 heads and EJ255 shortblock combo because I knew I would be turbocharging my motor and wanted close-to-factory reliability. Also, make a friend at the Subaru dealership! When it comes time to find those bolts or hard-to-get pieces, having a resource at the dealership is invaluable.
@Jim Barrows Yikes! That's a good idea if you want a less reliable, less powerful, and more expensive motor
Did you purchase the adapter plate with cut out for trans mount?
I don't believe the adapter had any cut out specific for the trans mounts, no
hey I'm planning on putting an ej20 into my 1972 super beetle I was wondering if you had some kind of list of parts that you used for the swap?
Hello! Unfortunately I don’t have anything written down but I can give you an idea of the key systems. You’ll need to update your fuel system for EFI (high pressure/flow pump, filter before pump, filter after pump, regulator), you’ll need to mount your engine to transmission (either an adapter for EJ motor to VW transmission, or reverse gearset if using the Subaru transmission), and you’ll need engine electronics (I suggest ECU and harness from the car the Subaru motor came out of, or you can do aftermarket ECU with www.diyautotune.com). Subaru stock ECU will be easiest and are very tunable depending on your needs. Good luck with the build!
About 2 more inches here (thats what she said). Great scriptwriting!!
Haha thank you for the support! Trying to add some comic relief!
Never worked on a Beetle but my understanding is that the engine is cantilevered from the transaxle. Will the added weight of this engine be a problem?
Very valid question and you are correct. In the future, I will hopefully add something like a Kafer cup brace to help reinforce the motor support.
I like the music, it’s your video, do what you like I say. What year is the engine?
Thanks Jon Paul! Always appreciate some positive feedback and I agree, in the end it should be what I want.
I believe the shortblock is out of a 2007ish WRX (EJ255) and the heads are off of a 2001 Impreza RS (EJ251).
Ratchet Motors that’s cool, mines an ej20 in a splitscreen kombi so that 2.5 litre with turbo will fly!
An ej20 Kombi sounds awesome! Any suggestions/recommendations based on your experience with VW/Subaru combination?
Ratchet Motors Hi Mate, use the factory ecu that came with the engine to avoid headaches, fuel system, in tank or external pump, external can be a bit noisy. Cooling system use a factory radiator should work fine, mines an wrx one and operates off the ecu, also set up a temp gauge on the dash and use the factory sensor to keep eye on temp, mine sits at 190deg all the time. I use two fans to push air over rad, you may mount vertically. Mount the heater core higher that the rest of the plumbing so you can bleed the air out of the system. Air in the cooling system means high temps guaranteed. Use engine mount subframe from Subaru and modify to fit bug. If it’s a 2007 engine then the may have engine immobiliser in factory ignition key, mount complete barrel and key in a hidden place so you can remove key and car won’t start if someone breaks in.
I’ve got loads more but don’t wish to bore you! Haha
Are you able to install the back seal after installing the box
I am not. If you want to see the “final” assembly, you can check out a more recent video like this one czcams.com/video/I1aez6oCMNE/video.html
Cut the music crap please, we are trying to listen and learn.
Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html
Good advice!
I kinda like the music.
I think it was well placed, usually the complaint is the music overpowers the speaker but in this case, the music is in between segments. Some people are never happy.
Ronald Harrison exactly
Hello my name is Mhee from thailand which trasmission you are using subaru transmission or beetle transmission
Thank you
Hi Mhee! We are still using the stock beetle transmission.
Hi there, good video. In which Subaru model can i find the same engine?
Thank you for the support! The longblock is the combo of an EJ255 shortblock (08+ 2.5 WRX, 03+ FXT, etc.) and EJ253 heads (+03 Impreza). It is essentially a turbo block with NA (SOHC) heads. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
You do good work but I really have a hard time watching your videos. Please understand that I’m not trying to be mean or anything I just felt like you should get some feedback. The audio quality is terrible. The music is at an insane level and it’s nearly impossible to hear you so it jumps back and forth. Turn it up to hear you and then the music starts and about blows your head off!
I’m really interested in seeing and hearing your videos so I’ll suffer through it. Because I am studying how to do the subie swap on one of my cars.
Again, I love the content and look forward to all the info.
Thanks for the support! Because of the continued feedback similar to what are you describing, we have already posted a version without music. Here is a version without music, if you prefer czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html Also, we are doing our best on the most recent videos to improve sound quality, please let me know what you think!
excellent video I would like to know the measurements of the metal plate that connects the motor and the box please. since I want to do that in Peru. Thank you very much, I await your prompt response

Thanks for the support! The plate is already installed so unfortunately I cannot take the measurements. I ordered mine here amzn.to/39twtGJ or you could go straight to the source here www.kennedyeng.com/
Are you using the stock beetle differential
For now, yes. I will be keeping the stock transmission and differential for the time-being to keep costs down but do plan to upgrade some point later down the road.
This is the Sony game Nintendo 64
Sonic
Is there a automatic transmission that can be used?
Honestly I am not exactly sure. If the VW auto transmission has the same bolt pattern as manual, you may be able to use that. The other option would be putting a Subaru automatic transmission but I'm not sure a reverse pinion is being made for the auto. I'd check subarugears.com/ best of luck!
Did you use the stock transmission? And how does it handle the jump in hp
Yes! Stock transmission with the KEP adapter kit. It drives very well and gearing is actually a pretty good match for the engine/turbo. I've never really laid on it but everything has held together great. I just upgraded to bigger wheels and better tires, so if something is going to break it will happen now lol. If the stock transmission goes, I'll probably change to a Subaru transmission over an upgraded Type 1 unit.
@@RatchetMotors okay awesome, I’m starting the process of swapping a stock ej205 into a 72 super beetle and was trying to price out what I would need, not gonna worry about a tranny, thanks
Where did you get your ej?
I got the EJ255 shortblock off craigslist and had the EJ253 heads from a previous project. I’m pretty much piecing together left over parts around the garage to keep this build budget friendly. I would suggest a junkyard or JDM importer if you are looking to do the same as I still ended up spending more than I wanted between different hardware, sensors, and other components that didn’t come with the shortblock or heads.
Which clutch did you use for your conversion?
The clutch I purchased from Cip1:
www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ACC-C10-5149-KT
I chose the following options with the hope of holding the torque of the turbo EJ25:
K.E.P. 2100LB Clutch Plate
Heavy-Duty Cushion Lock disc
BEST OF LUCK!
Thank you
great idea stuffing a 90s motor in a 1930s car.
Thank you! What are your projects?
@@RatchetMotors stuffing an1880s motor in a boat.
@Jim Barrows Borat, is that you?
You fit this engine in vw original gearbox?
Yes, the Subaru motor can be mounted directly to the original vw gearbox using a Kennedy Engineering adapter plate. I bought mine on Amazon amzn.to/39DT04n
@@RatchetMotors
Thanks which sabru motor use?
Felt like I was playing tetris with that music
HELLO Ratchet Motor , i did mo got your Name but i like the video on the 73 VW with Subaru Engine ,i have a 73 VW myself i like to put a subaru engine too , what engine i need #, or year. n good job n luck to you man, am Victor from Dunkirk NY
Hi Victor, thanks for the support! You can do this conversion just as I have with any Subaru EJ motor (ej18, ej20, ej22, ej25) which came in most Subaru’s from early-90s to 2015ish. It really depends what displacement you are looking for and other options like throttle by wire or turbo. Good luck!
Hi what name brand and model of that clutch?
Sorry for the delay! I am using an off-the-shelf Type 1 clutch from CIP1 www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ACC%2DC10%2D5149%2DKT. I went with the 2100lb KEP Clutch Plate and the Heavy-Duty Cushion Lock Disc but that is just personal preference and based on my motor combination. Long story short, if you use the KEP engine adapter for the Subaru motor to VW transmission, you can use any Type 1 clutch for that transmission. Thanks for the support!
That's what she said lol
Ppl here rattling on bout the music, much the same as ppl out there going on about toilet paper.. 🙄😅
My question: what about room for changing spark plugs? Can't see much access from the cameras perspective.
Haha yes I agree! At this point I’m only responding to positive feedback. I agree about spark plug clearance, I’ll most likely be trimming a little more of the body or at least adding access holes. Initial trimming was only to physically fit the engine but a lot of maintenance items still need to be considered, like you mentioned. Thanks for the support!
The music was such a distraction I couldn't hear a thing you tried to explain. I'll find another video to watch.
Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html
Whats the motor out of??
It’s really a Frankenstein. Shortblock is ej255 (I think from 08 WRX). Heads are EJ251 off a NA Impreza. Allows me to boost safely and keep the simpler SOHC heads. Thanks for the support!
Hello my name is Juan, im from Ecuador, where you From? What flywheel and clutch kit do you use?
Thanks a lot!!
Hi Juan! I live in North Carolina, originally from Massachusetts. For the flywheel, I ordered a KEP adapter from Amazon (amzn.to/2xfBh5l). For the clutch, I ordered the 2100 KEP clutch plate and Heavy-Duty Cushion Lock Disc from cip1 (www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ACC-C10-5149-KT)
@@RatchetMotors thanks a lot!!! Did you change the brakes?
Brakes and suspension are going to be our Phase 2 of the project, don’t have a definite plan yet but they will certainly be upgraded for the increase in power
@@RatchetMotors ok, I really want to make a similar proyect, but here in Ecuador is very expensive, for this reason I will do slowly.
Thanks a lot!!!
That’s awesome! Let me know if you have any other questions. You can always reach out via email at ratchetmotorsnc@gmail.com. Good luck!
What yr is the subaru engine?
The shortblock is EJ255 which can be found in 2004-2013 Forester XT and 2006-2014 WRX I believe. The heads and intake manifold are from an EJ251 (2001 Impreza RS but can be found in many other 2.5 naturally aspirated Subarus)
Ratchet Motors Hi there thanks for replying to my question. What are you thoughts in regards to the wiring? I have been thinking about doing one of those conversations for many years, but sick to the stock or work the stock engine and convert then to anything bigger than 1600. Cool project. Also liked your wood cart to move the engine. Keep it up 👍
Thanks for sharing.
My plan for wiring is to merge the engine harness from the EJ251 with the universal harness from DIYAutoTune.com I think this should be relatively straightforward and will only require a few additional connections that won’t be in the original Subaru harness (fuel pump, oil and fuel pressure sensors, etc)
8:58 turn up the volume trust me
Good ears! ;)
Im hooked park the v8 get me one
Thanks for the support! If you’re into V8s we have a lot of Crown Victoria content as well. More on this beast very soon!
@@RatchetMotors done the crowns do like this v.w my first car was a 56 small rear vw bug any way I like this one
But if you are going to include the music, make it either as soft as your vocals or vice versa.
Here is a version without music, if you prefer czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html
Very good video but, the music is terrible!
Good video but drop the music,just talk more about problems/fixes,what else your girlfriend says lol 👍
Thanks for the feedback! We actually have a version now without music (which can be found in the description) if you’re interested. We appreciate the support and are going to be trying a new format in our upcoming videos, let us know what you think! Wiring video will be hitting CZcams this weekend.
Your music sucks for this video. But great video.
Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html
Music is loud. Good video though.
Thank you for the support! We are working to improve audio quality on our newer videos.
yes the fucking noise is not music
Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html
Great video! But the Super Mario soundtrack gotta go.
This music is annoying.. But great video
I enjoyed your video. This was the first VW/Subaru swap I have watched, but your music choice sucks.
Thank you for the support! We are working with the music CZcams provides currently but have heard the numerous complaints. Here is a version without music, if you prefer czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html
The music is way to loud in comparison to your spoken stuff.
Here is a version without music, if you prefer czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html
volume is too low.
Thanks for the feedback, we've tried to improve the audio quality in more recent videos!
Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html
Could be a great video, but terrible audio and obnoxious background music. Give it a C-
Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html
C-? You're too generous.
You really need to work in a space where you can speak as loudly as you want. It seems like you're trying to avoid waking other people up by talking _super softly._
I wouldn't mind the music at all, if it weren't *SO MUCH LOUDER* than when you're talking such that when I turn it up to hear you speaking I then get blasted out of the universe by the music.
Talk about beating a dead horse... In case you missed, there is now a version that does not include music. Continued comments about the same problem (which has been resolved) adds no value for anybody.
@@RatchetMotors Don't misunderstand me; I think the music is fine. I don't mind the choice of tunes. The reason I've bothered to comment is because everyone else seems to be complaining about there being music at all. I think music adds a nice touch, though. B Is For Build uses music to great effect, for example.
What I want is for YOUR VOICE to be LOUDER.
If you want, you can do them without music, and that's fine too, but even the one you did without music is so quiet (especially when you're talking about the custom made flywheel with the right spacing) that I have to turn up my computer's volume so much that when other system alerts come through on my computer like for a new email coming in, it's like the old Maxell cassette tape ads.
buen día mi estimado, soy nuevo suscrito a su pagina, soy de Venezuela pero por la migración forzada estoy en peru. me interesa mucho su tutorial y quisiera pedir su consejo, no hablo ingles pero tengo conocimientos básicos de palabras técnicas, mi proyecto es para una camioneta comby adaptarle un motor subaru, la pregunta es la siguiente: el flan-che o pieza de que acopla el motor entre caja de velocidades como se aquiere y que costo tendrá, al igual el conjunto de embrague incluyendo el plato donde acopla el clucth que va acoplado al motor. mil gracias a sus respuestas y este es mi correo electrónico si decea dar información forrestcool@hotmail.com.
buen día adreita. hablo muy poco español pero por suerte tenemos Google Translate. Te envié un correo electrónico
Lose the music
Here is a version without music, if you prefer czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html
Get rid f the music
Holy shit that music sucks
Thanks for the support!
@@RatchetMotors video was good though
Need to get rid of that stupid music
czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html
the huge volume of the REALLY irritating music makes this virtually impossible to watc, as the volume of the music is VERY HIGH and the volume of your voice is very low. turn up the volume to hear what you say, and get your ears blown off when the music comes in. Is it really necessary?
Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html
Why choose the most undesirable Beetle for this swap? Even after it's complete it's still a $2500 piece of shit with no resale value car! The deluxe and super beetle are the least desirable models ever built by VW
Sounds like a perfect candidate for a swap. I don’t care about resale or what other people find desirable. This is a project for me
@@RatchetMotors sorry guy, sincerely...but I've always had a severe dislike for any attempt to improve on Ferdinand Porches design...ie: it was the perfect car. I've used points off a Briggs and Stratton lawn mower in a 1972 VW Thing ...aka: the Safari in the jungle on the Yucatan Peninsula 60klm from nowhere and had more to give till I traded it for a 78 Westphalia
worst music? or worst music ever?
Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html
music got you a thumbs down. learn to use your big boy words
I’m glad you enjoyed the video!
The music sucks
Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html
Horrible music.
Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html
Trying to mute the music and listen is impossible. This really is annoying.
Thanks for the feedback, video without music can be found here: czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html
Sorry but the music sucks and it's loud. If I want music while I'm watching, I turn on my Spotify and listen to a million tunes that are better than your selection.
That’s a great story! czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html
OMG, why do people put stupid music in their videos, had to stop watching, just my opinion.
czcams.com/video/bFnhLBYjyko/video.html my opinion is people should pay better attention because this has been resolved. People just love to complain